“Big Win for Memphis”: Finally, Ja Morant Makes His Stance Known on Jaren Jackson Jr. Bigger Contract News…

The Jaren Jackson Jr. max extension was a hefty one: five-year, $240 million. It’s not a bad deal in a vacuum, as getting a player of Jaren’s caliber for under $50 million per year is a big win for Memphis. They’ll have to clear Cole Anthony’s salary off the books to help make it work, but keeping Jaren in Memphis long-term was a clear goal of the franchise, even after the Desmond Bane trade.

Sources from Sports Illustrated report that Morant took to social media, posting a celebratory GIF accompanied by “tears of joy” and the caption, “watching my dawgs get paid 🐻💰.” (reddit.com, si.com) In private remarks, Morant emphasized Jackson’s “All‑NBA level” impact on both ends of the court, highlighting his elite rim protection, perimeter shooting, and consistent two‑way excellence. (timesng.com)

Jackson’s new terms—officially locked in on June 30—tie him to Memphis through 2030 with a possible player option in year five. The deal, valued at $240 million, was described by ESPN’s Shams Charania as a “massive priority” for the Grizzlies’ front office.

Morant, fresh from offseason recovery and eager to return, pointed to Jackson’s consistency: averaging over 22 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game last season, including a rare combination of 100+ three-pointers and 100+ blocks—an NBA first. (espn.com) He reiterated that locking Jackson down solidifies Memphis’s identity as a “built together” team rather than a transitional rebuild.

Critics and fans alike debated the extension’s value, particularly after Jackson’s underwhelming playoff performance, where his averages dipped to 16 points per game in the first-round sweep. (sportskeeda.com) Despite that, Morant dismissed naysayers, framing the investment as a statement of belief in Jackson’s upward trajectory and his potential to evolve into a perennial All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins echoed Morant’s endorsement, calling Jackson a “versatile anchor on both ends” and praising the contract as one that keeps the franchise competitive while retaining core chemistry.

With both Morant and Jackson officially untouchable, Memphis is sending a clear message: they’re doubling down on their young core, aiming to emerge as Western Conference contenders—and Morant’s full-throated support reinforces that shared vision.

Apr 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) walks down the court in the third quarter of game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Ja Morant was very excited about his teammates getting extensions, posting a GIF on X/Twitter with the caption “tears of joy,” while adding another caption “watching my dawgs get paid 🐻💰.”

Aldama signed for three years, worth $52.5 million. He has developed into a quality role player, and some would argue he’s worth a lot more than the contract he was given. But now Morant, Aldama, Jackson, Ty Jerome, Jaylen Wells, Scotty Pippen Jr., and first-round draft pick Cedric Coward will all be under team control through 2028.

That’s a great nucleus to build around for the next three years, and could be good enough to still contend.